PA 'Honor Killings' Up 100% in 2013

A senior official in the Palestinian Authority (PA) Ministry of Women's Affairs has reported a rise of over 100% in the number of "honor killings" in 2013 compared to the previous year. The murder of women for tarnishing the "family honor" is still protected under PA law.

The official, Nabila Rizq, was referenced in the official PA media earlier in the month reporting the number of "honor killing" victims for 2013 at 27, compared to 13 the year before. Victims are typically guilty of "crimes" including such things as pre-marital sex, being raped or refusing an arranged marriage.